Pages

01 March 2013

Selling Kids toys to afford new ones – Ethical?

Horrified
expressions, screams, tears and tantrums- you’d think it was the end of the world
from the way they react. So why would any parent risk asking their kids to get
rid of old toys they haven’t played with in years?

I Kant believe it:

There’s
been some discussion that making kids give up their toys is unethical, ie.
wrong. However, helping children to get rid of unwanted toys can be the right and
beneficial thing to do, so long as you do so sensitively.

That’s not trash that’s Teddy!

Grabbing a bin bag
while the kids are out, and chucking away any of their toys is not ethical. All
it will teach them is that they cannot trust you and will make them even more
zealous and possessive over their possessions. Have patience, and teach kids that
it’s a good thing to make some space for new toys by getting rid of old ones,
by following this good advice:

Gift that keeps on giving:

Giving is highly
ethical, since it benefits others in need. Ask kids to give away toys to other children
less fortunate, emphasizing the importance of selflessness. Or give toys to a
charity of your kid’s choice, to sell and raise money for the cause. Sharing is
an integral part of growing up, so this will help them gain confidence and
empathy.

We’re sold on this:

Selling toys online
can be ethical if you involve your child in the process, and spend the extra
cash on maybe a new toy for them as a reward for their sorting. Any form of toys
or entertainment systems could benefit from being sold online to be reused by
someone else, and you too can reap rewards if you decide to sell
my stuff.

Some toys can be
collectible, so have a look on eBay and see if certain old toys are gems in
disguise. Or money exchange websites, such as Music Magpie, will swap old consoles, games and DVDs
for a good amount of cash. Keep kids involved in this, as this will help break
any attachment to the toy if they think they can get money out of it. How’s
that for an incentive?

Don’t give up the good fight:

Don’t worry if you
experience initial resistance and a few hiccups along the way. Remember, kids
won’t learn these skills overnight. With gentle persuasion, and trying out
these useful ideas, it can be an easy and fun feat to get kids to let go of
their old toys, both emotionally and physically!

I have done this for years. The kids only keep their absolute favorite, can't part with toys and the rest get sold. They like looking forward to what they might be able to get with the money and it doesn't always include a new toy. My girls began liking buying a new shirt or jeans. I think I had a harder time seeing some of those toys go just because it means they're getting older :(

When I was a kid and I outgrew toys or didn't play with them we passed them on to my younger cousins. I never had a problem with it because I knew it was going to make someone else happy. It kind of boggles my mind that there are people that think making kids give up their toys is unethical (although I do think throwing toys out behind the kid's back IS wrong)...but everyone has different views on things and they are entitled to that.

We have taught our daughters to get rid of their toys since they were very little...we donate them! They actually look forward to "making room" for new toys as they understand that the old "loved" toys are going to other kids that will love them just as much as they did...also, if you don't teach them early on, you are creating little "hoarders" (that's just my personal opinion).

I totally agree with you. As long as the child knows that they are being thrown away, of course. It's impossible to keep every toy in the house, especially if like me you have limited amount of storage space! It's no use keeping toys which are no longer of use, when you could sell them to be able to afford something else

The giving part really got my daughter to part with some of her toys she didn't really play with anymore. At first she didn't want to, but when I told her other kids aren't as fortunate as her, and don't have tons of fun things like she does, she immediately started filling up a basket of stuff. She also had fun putting stuff in a garage sale and got to use that money to buy something else she wanted.

When it comes time to give toys to other children, perhaps the answer could be to have your children pick a charity of shelter, or library where the toys would be most appreciated. It just might make the transition easier and give them a sense of community.

Great idea! I think that as long as the children are on board that it is fine. They have to understand that if they want a more expensive toy there has to be a sacrifice. It really is a great lesson in life.

This is a great post. We have 14 grandchildren, the oldest of which (11), lives with us. We have 8 girls & 6 boys, ranging in age from 18 months to 11 years. What we've started doing, when we know the family will be together for something (Christmas, birthday party, etc) is have the kids go through their toys that they're not playing with & bring them for a trade. It works out great & the toys are getting lots of use.

I get rid of toys all of the time. My kids know upfront that if they don't play with them, or if they don't pick up their toys, they will be gone. Of course, I keep the ones that they genuinely love and play with.